The Arborwood at Altenheim

The Arborwood at Altenheim in Forest Park, Illinois, gives seniors age 55 and older different ways to live, so some folks can stay independent while others can get more help if they need it, and everything's laid out in a big building with old charm, tall windows, and high ceilings that let in a lot of light, so it ends up feeling both comfortable and easy to get around in, and people here can choose from studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments, all with safety bars in the bathrooms, fire protection, an emergency call system, and their own kitchens and storage space, which works well for those who want to cook for themselves though you can also just have two meals a day included if you'd rather not worry about it, and there's laundry and grocery shopping each week so nobody has to deal with the hassle of those chores.

The community does a lot to help folks with different needs, so there's independent living for people who don't need much help, there are assisted living services for those who do, there's memory care for people with Alzheimer's or dementia, skilled nursing for medical needs, respite care for short stays, and even home care, and everything's designed to let residents keep their independence as long as possible while getting the support they need, like help with eating, dressing, taking medicine, or just getting around, plus there's a nurse or doctor on call at all times. For activities, residents can join art classes, social events, educational programs, fitness and wellness sessions, or enjoy music, movies, and planned trips, with indoor and outdoor common areas to sit and talk, and there's a fitness center for anybody who likes to stay active, and there are always community events if people feel like joining in instead of sitting alone.

Arborwood has a pet-friendly policy, and dogs or cats are allowed but with some restrictions, so folks who don't want to be without a pet are happy about that, and there's a beauty and barbershop on site so people can get a haircut without leaving, and there are devotional services both in the building and off-site, so people who want to keep up with their faith have a way to do so. If someone needs to get to an appointment, there's transportation service, with both complimentary rides and paid options, and plenty of parking for those who still drive, plus the apartments have individual climate control, cable TV, washer and dryer options, and everything's wheelchair accessible, including the showers.

Meals get served restaurant-style with menu choices, including vegetarian options, so it's not all the same every day, and the community is designed with everyone's comfort, safety, and well-being in mind, so there's a security deposit for moving in, and everyone needs to meet the income qualifications, though there's no entrance fee like some places have, and the monthly rent includes heat. Arborwood has a sense of neighborhood, with friendship among residents, and it helps that the building's surrounded by woods and landscaped gardens where people can walk, relax, or visit with their families and friends, plus the staff plans both on-site and off-site activities, including scheduled trips, so there's always something going on if you want to be part of it.

For safety, you'll find front door call systems, fire protection throughout, emergency response available 24/7, and there's no indoor smoking anywhere, so it keeps things clean, and the average score from folks who've lived or visited here comes to about 6.6 out of 10, making it the highest rated community in Forest Park right now, though like anywhere else, some people like it more than others, and if you want to know about the neighborhood, you can look up extra information on weather, local parks, crime, and health care nearby, since everything's within easy reach.